In the wake of Beryl hitting Texas on Monday, residents, many still without power, are left to assess the damage. The Texas Department of State Health Services has laid out the following safety tips for those affected by the storm’s aftermath. From accessing clean water to using generators safely, here’s what you need to know.
Avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning
- Only use generators outdoors at least 20 feet away from buildings
- Never operate a generator inside a garage, even with the doors open
- Don’t use generators under wet conditions; they can pose an electrocution hazard and should be kept dry
- Before refueling, turn off and allow your generator to cool down
- Never use gasoline-powered tools, camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors, as these tools also release carbon monoxide
Food & water safety
- Those under boil water alerts and those who have private wells are advised to only use bottled, boiled or treated water until other sources of water have been tested and deemed safe to use
- Throw away any food that’s been at room temperature for over two hours or if it has an unusual color or odor
- Food that has been in the freezer can be eaten if it’s still partially frozen
- Never eat food that has come in contact with flood water
Illnesses & injuries
- Those with wounds that have been exposed to flood water may be at risk of contracting tetanus and may require a tetanus shot to prevent infection
- Wildlife are usually displaced or injured after storms. Avoid handling wildlife and seek medical treatment if bitten by an animal
- Drain any standing water in trash cans, flower pots or old tires to avoid mosquitoes breeding near your home
- Wear insect repellent and long sleeved shirts and pants
- Wear closed-toed shoes in flooded areas to avoid being injured or cut by sharp objects like nails and other debris
- Replace porous wallboard that has been damaged by flooding to avoid being exposed to mold
- Try to conserve energy to avoid heat exhaustion
Sanitation
- Wash hands frequently during storm cleanup
- Disinfect surfaces in homes that have flooded
- Disinfect kids’ toys with a solution of one cup of bleach mixed with five cups of water